Simple soap and water combined with a little old-fashioned elbow grease are as effective at tackling germs as big brand antibacterial products, claim researchers.

Families spend £239million a year on specialist handwashes, wipes and liquids, which are backed up by a wealth of impressive scientific results.

However, research published today by consumer watchdog Which? says that rubbing your hands vigorously with soap and water for 30 seconds – the equivalent to singing Happy Birthday twice – is as effective as antibacterial handwashes.

Keeping clean: New research suggests rubbing your hands vigorously with soap and water for 30 seconds is as effective as antibacterial handwashes

A Which? spokesman said: ‘The American Food and Drug Administration published a report suggesting there wasn’t evidence to show that antiseptic handwashes reduced infectious diseases.’